The Captain’s Suspicions.
The next day it came on to blow—and for quite a week tempestuous weather set in, the schooner skimming along almost under bare poles, but progressing well on her voyage. Captain Studwick had some trouble with his men, but on the whole they were pretty good sailors, and his strict discipline kept them well to their work, so that, from showing at first a little insubordination, they went pretty willingly to their duties.
On the tenth day out, the sun rose over a sea just rippled by a pleasant breeze. The men were busy drying clothes, and all the ports and hatches were well open, and as the day wore on Mrs Pugh, looking very weak and pale, came on deck, leaning on Bessy Studwick’s arm, the latter leading her to where Dutch was talking to Mr Parkley.
Dutch started as he saw them coming up, then, bowing coldly, he walked to the other side of the deck to where John Studwick was sitting, impatiently watching his sister; and as soon as he saw Mr Parkley lead Mrs Pugh to a seat, he called to Bessy sharply to come to him, keeping her jealously by his side, as he saw Mr Wilson and the doctor come up and begin walking up and down, and frowning as they both raised their hats, and smiled at his sister.
“I wish you would not notice these men, Bessy,” he exclaimed in an impatient whisper.
“I only bowed courteously to them, John dear,” she said sadly; “and I will not speak to them if you do not wish it.”
“I don’t like it,” he said, hastily. “Come and read to me.”
She glanced across at Hester Pugh, and saw her white lips working as her eyes followed her husband, and then, taking up a book, began to read to her brother.
“Look at that, Bob,” said one of a little group of men, busy overhauling a large sail which had been split during the late gale.
“Yes, he looks bad enough,” said another. “A couple more days like we’ve had would about finish him.”